INFILTRATION - For durability
A mould, similar to that needed for reverse plating, is created and diamonds are fixed to the internal mould wall. A blend of hard metal powders is then packed inside the mould cavity, together with a steel core. Liquid metal is made to infiltrate the powder bed and this consolidates the powder around the diamond layer.
Due to thermal movement during the heat treatment process, it is usually necessary to grind the diamond surface of the tool to achieve the profile accuracy and roundness tolerances, which are generally less demanding than in reverse plated products.
The metal matrix is very hard wearing, which creates the most durable type of truer.